Voluntary Board Membership- PR & Marketing experience desired

Street Soccer NI are seeking a new board member who can bring Marketing and PR experience and expertise to our board of trustees and provide advice and input of how we can spread the work of our vital work, engage with more potential clients and supporters, help us to improve reach and impact on our social media, and help us to maximise marketing efforts for our events and fundraisers.

The Street Soccer NI Board helps to drive our development and contribute to our strategy for future success – which translates to better services for a greater number of people who are disadvantaged or affected by homelessness in Northern Ireland. We are looking for someone who is as passionate as us about transforming the lives of those who are most vulnerable in NI. We especially need someone Marketing and PR experience and expertise to our board of trustees and provide advice and input of how we can spread the work of our vital work, engage with more potential clients and supporters, help us to improve reach and impact on our social media, and help us to maximise marketing efforts for our events and fundraisers.

Our Board Members also have opportunities to gain new skills and the chance to join a network of other passionate professionals on the board and executive teams. We’re looking for someone who will contribute to the strong leadership of the board, who can offer skills and enthusiasm, who can offer a healthy challenge, and provide valued support for our staff team.

About Street Soccer NI

Street Soccer NI is a registered charity which uses football as a hook to engage people with services surrounding homelessness, addiction, unemployment, mental health and social marginalisation.  We support our regular players with the issues they face including; giving them support with housing and helping them to maintain their tenancy, getting them into work or education, creating pathways for them to gain qualifications in coaching and become a volunteer with the charity.

The charity is managed by the Board and a full-time chief executive officer. There is currently 2 full time staff and 5 part time staff. We run 10 weekly football projects across Belfast and Derry all year round, which includes separate projects for men, women and people with learning disabilities. We are also hoping to expand in other areas in Northern Ireland over the next few years.

As well as the weekly projects, we are the official partner of the Homeless World Cup and are responsible for organizing the teams from NI to attend the World Cup every year and any associated fundraising required.  Street Soccer NI also participates in friendlies with other national/international projects throughout the year and host additional events such as 2019’s Homeless Soccer 6 Nations Cup.

For more information on street Soccer please visit our website streetsoccerni.org

Standard Board Details/Responsibilities

Standard Board meetings are held 6-weekly, or as close to as practicable.  They normally occur at Skainos Centre, 239 Newtownards Rd, Belfast however occasionally may be hosted at another site in Belfast or on Zoom online.  They typically occur in the afternoon or around 4.30pm (depending on availability of Board members) with an agenda of 1 hour or less.  Additional meetings, training or formation of task committees may also occur subject to matters arising. 

This position is voluntary, initially being recruited for a term of 3 years subject to completion of a 12-week probationary period.  The Chairperson is responsible for probationary and annual performance reviews of the Board.

Board members are expected to demonstrate enthusiasm for, commit appropriate time to and positively promote the functions of the charity, upholding its best interests at all times.  It is expected that members endeavor to attend at least 70% of standard Board meetings throughout the year.

Board members must understand their responsibilities under charity legislation and endeavor to keep up with changes in charity law.  The Chairman is responsible for ensuring appropriate induction and/or training is provided as appropriate.  Board Members are responsible for setting direction and ensuring compliance and suitable operation of the Charity.

Board Members may be recruited for a specialized role, or for general governance matters.  Any relevant skills should be specified on the application form.